Breaking down the Dolphins' defense position-by-position

February 1, 2013|By Omar Kelly, Sun Sentinel

Playmakers don't just reside on the offensive side of a football teams.

Dynamic pass rushers, disruptive linebackers, shut down cornerbacks and ball-hawking safeties also have a tremendous impact on the game, which is why the Miami Dolphins hope to add some game-changers this offseason.

The goal is to turn up the volume on a defense that is already one of the NFL's top 10 units in many important statistical categories.

"We've got to find guys that are disrupting the passer on defense, disrupting the receiver getting into the route on defense as well,” General Manager Jeff Ireland said.

"We're looking to upgrade in a lot of different areas."

Here is a look at the defensive players on the Dolphins' roster, and the free agents at each position with their status designated. The free agent section also includes each player's salary in 2012.

Breakdown: The Dolphins were wise to lock up Wake, signing the Pro Bowler to an extension last offseason. But they still need to find him more pass rushing help via free agency or the draft. If Odrick moves inside to defensive tackle then Vernon, a former UM standout who contributed 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a rookie, would be elevated into a starting role.

Breakdown: Starks, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a solid starter for Miami since 2009. He’s worth nearly twice the salary he’s earned the past four seasons and could land a $6 million per year contract on the open market. If Starks leaves Odrick, who is already 300 pounds, would be moved inside. But the Dolphins would still need more bodies to fortify the team’s strongest unit the past three seasons. Re-signing McDaniel for less is an option.

Breakdown: Dansby and Burnett produced their second-straight 100-plus tackles season together. Misi blossomed in a 4-3 scheme, contributing 65 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. But Dansby and Burnett are aging, and Misi is entering the final year of his contract, so a forward-thinking approach would be beneficial.

Breakdown: Despite his inconsistent play Smith was the biggest bargain on the roster the past four seasons. Considering starting cornerbacks generally earn $5-7 million a year on the free agent market he’s looking to cash out. Miami is looking for a more versatile cornerback, and there are a few decent options in free agency and the draft. Getting a healthy Richard Marshall back should be beneficial, especially if Patterson is retained at his $4.5 million per season salary.

Breakdown: The Dolphins have had eight different safety duos the past seven years. The best chance of developing some continuity in the backend is to re-sign Clemons and continue to pair him with Jones. However, Miami will have some options to upgrade the position in free agency and the draft. Depth is also a concern moving forward if Wilson doesn’t return to safety.

Breakdown: Considering Carpenter is slated to earn $2.7 million in 2013, the final year of his contract, expect Miami to add competition this offseason, making this fifth-year veteran earn his roster spot. Ironically, that’s how Carpenter actually got his job, beating out veteran Jay Feely in 2008. Cutting Carpenter and replacing him with a rookie would create an additional $2 million-plus in cap space. Restructuring Carpenter’s contract is also an option.